Labour Party’s Hon. Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has criticized Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State for appointing a new set of local government transition chairmen for the eighth time since taking office two years ago.
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In a statement released in Awka, Ogene described Governor Soludo’s frequent changes as “ridiculous, undemocratic, and an abuse of power,” arguing that such actions undermine the developmental aspirations of Anambra’s residents.
The controversy stems from a recent directive by the state government, instructing stakeholders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to nominate candidates for transition chairmen in the state’s 21 local government areas.
The current transition chairmen were ordered to hand over to local government heads of service by May 20, 2024, pending the appointment of new officials.
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APGA members interested in the positions were asked to submit their credentials through their local government chairmen.
Ogene, who also serves as the Labour Party’s House of Representatives caucus leader, expressed dismay at the governor’s record of changing transition committee members every three months.
He noted, “Governor Soludo has changed LGA Transition Committee members seven times since assuming office in 2022. With this new appointment, it will be the eighth time in just two years.”
Ogene criticized this “puppeteering style of leadership,” arguing that it destabilizes the local government system, which is intended to be the closest tier of government to the people and the foundation of both state and federal governments.
He emphasized that appointing rather than electing local government administrators fosters impunity, lacks accountability, and hinders transparency and development at the grassroots level.
He questioned the feasibility of meaningful development under such short tenures, saying, “What kind of development plan can a transition chairman implement in just three months? It’s troubling that Governor Soludo, a noted economist, supports this charade, which runs contrary to economic indicators showing declining fortunes for grassroots communities.”
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Ogene urged Governor Soludo to fulfill his campaign promise to conduct local government elections, which would align with the desires of the people and constitutional provisions.
He pointed out that other states, such as Delta, Lagos, Edo, Rivers, Kaduna, and Akwa Ibom, hold local government elections despite their imperfections.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Anambra have consistently reminded Governor Soludo of his campaign pledge to conduct local government elections within six months of taking office, a promise he has yet to fulfill.
The Nigerian Senate recently criticized state governors for mismanaging funds allocated to local government councils and failing to democratize this tier of government.
The Senate lamented the erosion of local autonomy due to state governors’ overwhelming powers, which has stifled the objectives of the local government system.
Senate called on the federal government to cease allocating funds to caretaker-led local government areas and urged President Bola Tinubu to champion full local government autonomy.
